Write a balanced dissociation equation for carbonic acid in water that shows the maximum number of \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\) ions the acid can yield.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The balanced dissociation equation for carbonic acid in water, showing the maximum number of H3O+ ions it can yield is: \( H_2CO_3 (aq) + 2H_2O (l) \rightleftharpoons CO_3^{2-} (aq) + 2H_3O^+ (aq) \)

Step by step solution

01

Write the first dissociation step of carbonic acid

In the first step, one proton (H+) is donated from carbonic acid to water, generating bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydronium ion (H3O+). \( H_2CO_3 (aq) + H_2O (l) \rightleftharpoons HCO_3^- (aq) + H_3O^+ (aq) \)
02

Write the second dissociation step of bicarbonate

In the second step, bicarbonate (HCO3-) donates another proton (H+) to water, generating carbonate ion (CO3^2-) and another hydronium ion (H3O+). \( HCO_3^- (aq) + H_2O (l) \rightleftharpoons CO_3^{2-} (aq) + H_3O^+ (aq) \)
03

Combining both steps to show the maximum number of H3O+ ions

By analyzing the two steps, we can see that a total of two H3O+ ions are formed after the complete dissociation of carbonic acid. Combining both steps, we reach the final dissociation equation: \( H_2CO_3 (aq) + 2H_2O (l) \rightleftharpoons CO_3^{2-} (aq) + 2H_3O^+ (aq) \) This balanced dissociation equation shows the maximum number of H3O+ ions that can be yielded from the dissociation of carbonic acid in water.

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